Residents in Two Provinces Fear Mysterious Crocodile Spotted in Canal, Urge Swift Capture
A mysterious crocodile spotted in Hok Klong canal near Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok provinces has alarmed residents, prompting officials from both provinces to coordinate a nighttime search using video evidence captured by a local mosque i
On May 11, 2025, Natthadesai Mahasakyasiri, chairman of the Don Chimpli Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Bang Nam Prio District, Chachoengsao Province, met with Phuutai Boonrot, chairman of the Phra Ajariya Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Nakhon Nayok Province, to coordinate a search for a mysterious crocodile believed to inhabit Hok Klong canal. The canal runs near a health clinic in Don Chimpli Subdistrict, Chachoengsao, and borders Phra Ajariya Subdistrict, Nakhon Nayok. Fishing officials from both provinces attended the meeting along with local leaders and community representatives.
Warich Tanuphatsorn, a fishing official from Ong Kharak District in Nakhon Nayok, revealed that a mosque imam from the area managed to capture video footage of a suspicious object in the canal that authorities believe is indeed a crocodile. Since crocodiles are typically more active at night, today's meeting focused on planning operations. The team has requested boats from both subdistrict administrative organizations for a search scheduled for the night of May 12. They are also coordinating with freshwater fisheries protection units from Khun Dan Prakan Dam in Nakhon Nayok, which specializes in capturing crocodiles and dangerous aquatic animals. If a crocodile is confirmed, authorities will hold a community meeting to determine whether to allow it to remain in its natural habitat or capture and relocate it, as crocodiles are protected wildlife under Thai law.
Kittisakdi Wangman, 49, the imam who shot the video, explained that about two weeks ago while crossing the Hok Klong bridge, he spotted something floating in the water. Out of curiosity, he returned and filmed it with his mobile phone. Based on decades of living near the canal, he is confident the object is definitely a crocodile. Since news of the sighting spread, residents on both sides of the canal in Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok have become anxious, with many afraid to use the waterway. They are calling on authorities to urgently verify the facts and, if confirmed to be a crocodile, to capture and remove it quickly so residents can return to their normal lives.
